The Hitman

release year: 1991
genre: action/drama
viewing setting: home VHS, 7/2/04

synopsis: A cop is betrayed by his partner and left for dead, but survives and becomes an emotionless hitman for the mob.

impressions: That synopsis isn't quite accurate; the deal is that he's a long-term plant within the mob organization and the ultimate goal is to bust them all. Unfortunately, three different factions end up warring (Italian mob, French mob, Iranian mob) and also, the crooked partner who shot our hero is tied into all of this. It's more of a drama than an action movie, but it has plenty of fighting and gunplay. It's also grim, containing torture, mutilation, and bombings. It's also got a lighter side mixed in (where Chuck befriends his neighbor's kid and teaches him how to defend himself against a racist neighbor kid.)

something this movie has that no other movie has: a mutilation by electric bone saw

acting: Chuck Norris almost plays two characters here: the stone-faced killer and the kindly neighbor. Interesting. Michael Parks is great as a cocky, heartless bad guy. The Italian and French mob bosses were well-acted, if somewhat stereotypical.

final word: Good action/crime movie, but a bit dark and nasty.

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